All 1 Debates between Steve Double and Helen Grant

Foreign Aid Expenditure

Debate between Steve Double and Helen Grant
Monday 13th June 2016

(8 years, 5 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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Steve Double Portrait Steve Double
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I will take one more intervention and then I want to make some progress.

--- Later in debate ---
Steve Double Portrait Steve Double
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I thank my right hon. Friend for that intervention, and I agree with his point, but I accept that the debate is wide-ranging and we need to discuss how the money is spent and not just the amount. I believe that the UK can be very proud of how the money is spent.

Steve Double Portrait Steve Double
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I will take one more intervention, and then I will make some progress.

Helen Grant Portrait Mrs Grant
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Does my hon. Friend agree that the aid spending is in our national interest, both economically and in terms of national security?

Steve Double Portrait Steve Double
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I agree wholeheartedly with my hon. Friend. That is the very point I want to make: continuing the spending is not just the right thing to do; it is also in our national interest. The truth is that this country gets great value for money from the aid. Funds are subject to rigorous internal and external checks, and we are helping to create a more stable world.

There are many myths out there relating to foreign aid spending. One example is that aid money from British and European taxpayers has gone to Palestinian prisoners, including terrorists. That is simply not true. Another is that UK aid to the Palestinian Authority funded an £8 million presidential palace. Again, that is simply not true. The myths go on and on, and they are based on out-of-date information or inaccurate reporting. The Government have been very clear on that.